Quiristers
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Choristers of a special kind
Chapel Choir Video
Winchester College Quiristers belong to a 600 year-old choir renowned for its excellence. They perform a wide variety of music at home and abroad. They enjoy generous scholarships, a first rate all-round education, and a particularly broad musical training which builds confidence, teamwork and a commitment to the highest standards. For a boy with musical gifts, a Quiristership at Winchester College offers a special opportunity.
Winchester College was founded in 1382 by William of Wykeham, Bishop of Winchester and twice Chancellor of England. Wykeham's statutes make provision for sixteen boys called Quiristers to sing at the Chapel services, and this precious inheritance is still maintained by the College.
For centuries the Quiristers existed as a small school of their own within Winchester College. Since 1966 they have been educated a stone's throw away at the Pilgrims' School , where they are given scholarships worth half the full boarding fee. At Pilgrims the Quiristers benefit from the best academic teaching and join in all the school sports and activities. The old Quirister School is now their boarding house: there they are looked after by the Quirister Master and his wife, and a resident Matron.
A Quirister's routine is more varied than that of most choristers. The tradition of worship in the mediaeval College chapel involves regular choral services, and the Chapel Choir performs a great range of church music. But because the School does not hold Choral Evensong daily, the Quiristers also find time to sing a wide secular repertoire. Sunday morning, with its hymns and anthems, can be preceded by a Saturday evening recital that ranges from classical Lieder to popular music, all sung from memory. In addition, the boys play an important role in the College Choral Society and appear on stage in School musical productions.
The Quiristers broadcast, record and go on tour. Recent foreign destinations have included Canada, the Czech Republic and Hong Kong; in 2003 they took part in a special BBC Prom in the presence of The Queen to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Coronation. In 2001, 2003 and 2004 a Quirister won the title of BBC Young Chorister of the Year: a quite outstanding record.
Quiristers are usually required to sing during term time only; they can spend Christmas and Easter with their families.
Each Quirister learns two musical instruments. Practice is timetabled and supervised. Most Quiristers win scholarships (academic or musical) to help with their secondary education.
What the Quiristers say:
As a Quirister you get to sing a very wide variety of music, not just sacred music and we sing in concerts all over the world. (Harry, 12)
The tours are the best thing but I also like recording CDs. It's hard work but at the end of it, it is satisfying to see the CD. (Alex, 12)
Boarding is great, especially the pillow fights. I never get homesick because I like being with my friends. (George, 10)
Boys usually become Quiristers in years 4, 5 or 6. Enquiries are welcome from Year 2 onwards.
Contact the Headmaster's Secretary
The Pilgrims' School,
The Close,
Winchester SO23 9LT
Tel: (01962) 854189 www.pilgrims-school.co.uk
Informal voice tests, for which no special preparation is needed, can be arranged with:
Malcolm Archer, Director of Chapel Music
Winchester College,
College Street,
Winchester SO23 9NA
Tel: (01962) 860299 www.malcolmarcher.com
He is happy to meet potential Quiristers and their parents at any time.
Information about auditions for Quiristerships »
Information leaflet on the Quiristers »
Information about recordings »